AVB2020 is proud to announce that Mr. Terrence Hayes, Retired, Master Sergeant (USA), will rejoin us as this year’s Master of Ceremonies. Terrence currently serves as the Director, Communication and Public Affairs, for the Veterans for Foreign Wars of the United States. In his role, he advises VFW leadership and senior executives on matters pertaining to public affairs and coordinates strategic messaging and response to queries to national, regional, and local media outlets. He also serves as the official spokesperson for the largest veteran service organization that ensures veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country.

Terrence, a Jacksonville, Fl, native is a 20-year Army veteran who retired from active military service Aug. 31, 2016. After retirement, Terrence served as a media relations officer and the primary emergency response coordinator for the Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C.

Prior to his military retirement, he served nearly five years as the public affairs advisor to the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the top-enlisted service member in the armed forces, at the Pentagon. In that role, he served as the SEAC’s principal public affairs advisor and official spokesperson.

Terrence earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication at the University of Maryland University College and later earned a Master of Science degree in Strategic Communication and Master of Science degree in Management (Organizational Leadership) both at Troy University.

Terrence is a Bronze Star recipient and combat veteran who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom from December 2006 to March 2008. He is married and resides in Upper Marlboro, Md.